Fisheries recovery in progress

by Chamikara Weerasinghe

Fisheries, Aquatic Resources and Christian Affairs, Minister Milroy Fernando yesterday declared that the post-tsunami strategy and the fisheries sector, reconstruction program have now reached the degree of restoring the fishing industry to its full capacity.

Minister Fernando said that the ministry had repaired more than 90 per cent of damaged fishing boats with the support of the NGOs, various service organisations and individuals.

He said that the Food and Agriculture Organisation and the Ministry had introduced a long-term programme to introduce bigger boat designs to improve the quality and productivity of the local fishing industry.

Moves are already in place by the Ministry backed by FAO to improve coast conservation and rehabilitation of fishery infrastructure.

FAO sources said that the programme's aim was to rehabilitate the industry and fisherfolk beyond their pre-tsunami living conditions with higher levels of income generation.

FAO had spent US$ 22 million for the rehabilitation and reconstruction of the tsunami affected fisheries sector. The FAO has spent US$ 5.5 million in its budget for the activity, the sources said. Minister Milroy Fernando said that the FAO had undertaken to supply several fishing gears and outboard motors for the fisherfolk soon.

He said that moves are under way shortly to distribute fishing boats to fishing communities in the Northeast. The first set of boats will be distributed to fisherfolk in Potuvil and Panama areas by the Fisheries Ministry in association with the Rotary Club. He said the Ministry had placed orders for the repair of multi-day fishing vessels or trawlers. The ministry has embarked on a programme for the replacement of the damaged vessels with the FAO, he said.

He said Ministry has a programme with the Urban Development Authority to rebuild damaged houses of fishermen.

"The programme has been delayed because of the non-availability of lands and other issues pertaining to the 100 metre buffer zone," he said.